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Review

1999
Jaguar
XK8 Review

A stunning grand touring coupe.

Reviewed by Automotive on
8/2/1999

Overview

The 1999 Jaguar XK8 is a grand touring car that was introduced by the British automaker in 1996. The introduction of this car also began the first generation of Jaguar’s new XK series. Currently in its third year of production, the 1999 Jaguar XK8 still has one of the most curvaceous bodies in the automotive market today. It features a very high-tech aluminum DOHC engine, and the XK8 proves that its good looks are backed up by its amazing performance.

The Range

What's New

The 1999 Jaguar XK8 remains unchanged after it received some major changes in its previous model year.

Exterior

The 1999 Jaguar XK8 has one of the most aerodynamically efficient bodies in the automotive market right now. Its exterior design gives it a coefficient of 0.35 for the coupe model and 0.36 for the convertible. The XK8 is clearly derived from its predecessor, the XJS, and the famous XK-E models that were manufactured during the 1960s. It uses parts of the rear-drive platform and basic suspension of the XJS model, and the wheelbase is identical as well. However, the new platform is 25 percent stiffer than that of the XJS.

Interior

While the 1999 Jaguar XK8 excels in terms of performance and exterior design, it fails in terms of the interior. For one, the space available inside the car is not enough even up front. Tall passengers would find the front seats too cramped. The rear seats are strictly for toddlers. It is best used as a cargo space than for any occupant.

The 1999 Jaguar XK8's trunk space is not too impressive either, so the car is not very helpful in carrying a decent amount of luggage. Entry and exit into the car is not very easy because of the wide doorsills, low body, and outboard handbrake level on the driver’s side. On a positive note, the 1999 Jaguar XK8 does offer comfortable seats and an attractive dashboard with large and logically laid out gauges and control switches. The seats hug the body enough to lend support, too.

Performance & Handling

The 1999 Jaguar XK8 is available with only one engine option: a dual-overhead cam aluminum DOHC V-8 engine that delivers 290 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated with a five-speed automatic transmission as standard without any choice of manual transmission. The XK8 feels and rides a lot like a modernized XJS, which is not surprising considering the similarities between both cars. The cabin is a low-slung cocoon that can make even the average adult feel claustrophobic. The car itself has too soft a suspension and is too heavy to be a real sports car. Body roll is also quite evident when the car is driven around tight corners.

Nevertheless, the 1999 Jaguar XK8 does offer a pleasant experience when taken around twisting and winding roads. The car offers an easy riding experience in just about any situation. The suspension is firm but remains soft enough to absorb most of the harshness of the road. The V-8 engine that powers the 1999 Jaguar XK8 should be credited for giving the car most of its appeal. It is nearly silent when idle and has a classy, muted growl when pushed ahead. The engine does not disappoint in terms of power either, accelerating the 1999 Jaguar XK8 from standstill to 60 mph within seven seconds, which is an impressive figure. Of course, fuel economy is quite low for this car.

Safety

The 1999 Jaguar XK8 received four out of five stars for driver safety and a full five-star rating for passenger safety in frontal impact collision tests conducted by the NHTSA.